Some sites say browser needs to be upgraded, but it already is

I thought you had mentioned it because you were suggesting it! It has already found an infected file in my Firefox cache. I can't copy the whole file name, but the description says: html/infected.webpage.gen

OK my Mac friends--just ran DU again, and it says that this disk needs to be repaired. Start your computer with another disk (such as installation disk) then use disk utility to repair. How do I do this?

OK my Mac friends--just ran DU again, and it says that this disk needs to be repaired. Start your computer with another disk (such as installation disk) then use disk utility to repair. How do I do this?

You seem to have a lot of issues with your system. Between the way the AV software is interfering with your browsers; the apps you mentioned that you removed but still are lurking; these new disk issues that need repairing… I'm really beginning to think you should just go ahead and reinstall OS X from scratch. It's very rare that I recommend it, but you have so much going on, and probably more that we don't know about given your use of MacCleanse and MacKeeper, that you may as well just start over. If you do…. avoid any AV software, "cleaning" software, and especially MacKeeper. Check with us before trying anything that is supposed to "maintain", "clean", or "secure" your system.

You all have been really helpful. I looked at all the software I have, and I don't see an installation disk--does it come with all MacBooks?

When I finally find (or buy) the disk, do I then reload my files on the backup drive using Time Machine? Or are those corrupt also?

So from what I can conclude, if I ever think something's wrong, run the disk utility..

Did you buy the Mac new or used? If you bought it new you should have all the necessary disks that you need. If you bought it used you will probably have to buy a disk. I am not an expert buy any means on this type of thing so I would wait for direction on this. Your exact model number and OS version will be needed for others to help you.

It appears that you have a mess on your hands. It can be fixed though. Once you get the system reinstalled I would steer clear of antivirus things and most types of Mac Fixer software. Most is no good. I would search this forum and spend a lot of time here. It won't take long to learn what is good AND bad for your portable.

Go with the "Start from Scratch" option they present, but you can skip steps 1 and 2 if you are confident that your Time Machine backup has everything you want on it. If you aren't sure, then do step 2. Ignore step 1 entirely. When it's time to migrate your user, you can pick the Time Machine backup.

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So from what I can conclude, if I ever think something's wrong, run the disk utility..

Easier than Disk Utility is Onyx. It has a more complete suite of maintenance and other tools that can help solve some issues. It's highly recommended by everyone here. And it's free! An alternative that I also use is TinkerTool System. It's not free, but not expensive. It duplicates a lot of what Onyx does, but it goes to great lengths to explain everything it does and take some precautions. It's the ONLY tool of this class that I recommend spending money on.

I found out how to run in Safe Mode, and now the sites that were giving me problems are now working. Thoughts, my Mac geniuses?

We've already determined that VirusBarrier was the problem. And furthermore recommended you reinstall OS X due to the various issues we know you have, and others that likely are still lurking. This advice is not going to change.

Re. the business of repairing your system drive: if you haven't got access to an OSX installation disk, you could download the freeware utility APPLEJACK from HERE and install it. When it's installed, you won't find it in "Applications". It's what's called a "shell script". This page has full isntructions on how to use its many features:

However, don't panic: you don't have to remember all of that stuff! The easiest way to use it is to let it do all the work automatically.

Re-boot into single-user mode (hold down the option key and "s" key while the machine re-boots). Single-user mode is a command-line thing: your mouse won't work, you'll be using just the keyboard, typing in commands.

You will see a screen full of white text. Type "applejack AUTO restart" and hit the return key. Applejack will run a full diagnostic and repair routine on your system drive. When it's finished, it will boot up your machine normally. With a bit of luck, you'll have a healthy operating system!

Last night, I deleted anything that had to do with viruses or cleaning. I must have not restarted again, but I just checked everything out again, and it's back to normal!! Thank you all for your help and advice.